Chris Hamill

Background

About Chris Hamill

It started with Tinker Toys. Then Lego – not the fancy, themed kits that kids get now, but the basic blocks that called for imagination. Those early building blocks foreshadowed my path into formal and ongoing informal design education touching on typography, graphic design, industrial design and photography. That early play and education, combined with my curiosity, obsession with detail, and interest in geography, architecture and transportation systems led to a multifaceted forty-plus year career in design. My early years in print design and publishing gave me an understanding and appreciation of the production process and the value of clear communication. Joining Hook Outdoor Advertising in 1985 introduced me to the world of Out-of-Home Advertising where I remain rooted to this day. My work in Out-of-Home has ranged from early years in advertising art direction and copywriting, to creative direction, contract proposal development (editing, creative direction, design and production), corporate branding and communications, structure design, technical design, and information graphics. Underpinning all these facets is my solid work ethic, a pragmatic solutions-based approach to design grounded in analysis and research, a willingness to challenge convention, and a conviction that thoughtful, compelling design enhances communication. Quite simply, a design solution should make life easier – or even a little brighter – for the one who uses it or experiences it! My most recent work focuses on: • Collaboration with architectural, operational and fabrication teams to design and implement integrated advertising media into airports and public transportation networks; and, • Working with sales and marketing teams to develop specialized interactive maps and information graphics to communicate Out-of-Home media placement in place-based and transit environments. This culmination of personal interests, professional experience, and boyhood enthusiasm for planes and trains into a livelihood makes the Tinker Toy-cum-Lego-builder boy grin.